Iranian footballers who defied Tehran become Australian citizens

Two Iranian female footballers who publicly defied their government have become Australian citizens.

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday.

Ramezanisadeh said it was a “truly special and unforgettable day”, while her teammate said “this moment means more than words can express”.

They were among seven members of Iran’s national team to be granted humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in March – but the other five changed their minds and returned home.

It was feared the team would face repercussions for refusing to sing the Iranian anthem at their opening match, just days after the US-Israeli war against Iran began.

Under pressure from the Iranian community in Australia, authorities initially gave the players a chance to seek asylum – in the end though, only Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh took up the offer.

There was never any question about whether both would become citizens, but the decision comes as the Australian government prepares to introduce tougher visa rules aimed at cutting migration.

The new rules are expected to include restricting the work and appeal rights of asylum seekers and a ban on visitors applying for family visas.

The Australian government has come under increasing pressure from political opponents that promise stricter migration policy, while refugee groups have criticised Australia’s current measures, saying they put the safety of asylum seekers at risk.

Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh were given their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke.

“It’s a new beginning and a place I’m proud to call home,” Pasandideh said.

Ramezanisadeh recalled “all the challenges we faced” and added that she felt “proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen.”

The two players have since been training with A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar, planning to continue their elite sporting careers in Australia.

The drama around the Iranian team unfolded against the background of the war back in their home country which began on 28 February, when Israel and the US launched joint air strikes.

Concerns grew about the team’s safety after footage emerged of a host on state TV calling them “traitors” who ought to be punished for their silence during the Iranian anthem on 2 March.

Human rights activists have said the women who returned to Iran may have been pressured to reverse their decisions through threats against their families.

Iran’s sports ministry said at the time that the returnees had “defeated the enemy’s plans” against them through their “national spirit and patriotism”.